A digital edition of Prairie Star with instant computer access each Wednesday morning is being announced today.

The “e-edition” is a concept utilized by hundreds of newspapers around the world and test editions in the past two months have found it to be well accepted by Prairie Star readers.

“We are excited about adding this product to our existing venues for keeping up with local happenings,” said editor Jenny Diveley.

“What I like most about the e-edition is that it will come to you by email — you won’t have to go searching for it.”

Diveley said many out-of-state readers have complained about how long it takes for their newspapers to arrive in the U.S. Mail. And, while most readers are willing to endure that wait, others want something more immediate, and that’s what the e-edition offers.

Every page of the Prairie Star, every story, photo and advertisement, are included in the e-edition. There is no limit on the use of color and the overall quality is superb, Diveley said.

The e-edition is totally separate from the taylornews.org website which is a free product of this newspaper. While the website will continue to offer breaking news, sports scores, photos and multimedia podcasts and videos on a 24/7 basis, the e-edition will be sent only to those who subscribe to it — and again, it will always include the entire edition.

Once the e-edition arrives by email, the subscriber will simply click on it and wait a few seconds for it to download, then the newspaper can be leisurely read at whatever size the reader might like it.

Publisher Rudy Taylor commented, “I’m probably the last guy you would think might like reading my newspaper on the computer screen. But I love it. It’s the only way I read our newspapers anymore.”

Taylor said reading an e-edition is fun because the photo quality is so good and the type size is larger.

“I can sit back, pour a cup of coffee and slowly scroll through the Prairie Star. I can stop anytime then open it later and resume. Believe me, it’s not just for the younger people — it’s for seniors like me, too.”

In addition to Diveley’s editing duties in Chautauqua and Elk counties, she also manages all technology for Prairie Star, the Montgomery County Chronicle and Labette Avenue.

“We have been sending out test editions to a few friends around the country, and the response has been quite positive,” she said.

Diveley said the e-edition should appeal to local readers, too, not just those who live long distances away. Current Prairie Star customers may continue their print subscriptions and still subscribe to the e-edition.

“The e-edition isn’t for everyone — it’s just another product that we’re offering our customers,” said Diveley. “If you’re happy reading your newspaper exactly as you are now doing, that’s great. You don’t have to do anything to continue receiving it.”

Anyone interested in subscribing to the new e-edition may call the Prairie Star office in Sedan to arrange payment and get their first digital newspaper sent immediately.

An advertisement elsewhere in today’s Prairie Star provides more information and answers many frequently asked questions.